A 52-year-old woman, surnamed Tu, died after stepping on a discarded container of hydrofluoric acid while walking in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, according to the South China Morning Post on 24/9. The chemical caused rapid swelling, leading to her immediate hospitalization. She was diagnosed with multiple organ failure and severe electrolyte imbalance.
"Her chances of survival were slim", a doctor told The Paper.
Tu died 5 days later. On the evening of 14/9, someone claiming to be a family member posted on social media under the name "LIV Yuanbao": "I never got to see a miracle happen. Mom left us in an incomprehensible and swift manner. I hope there are no accidents in heaven."
The incident occurred on 9/9 while Tu was walking in a vacant lot on a hillside behind her family's shop. The area, slated for demolition, was often used by people for walks or gardening. Tu stepped on and broke a strange container. After being taken to two hospitals where doctors were unable to help, she was transferred to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Xinjiang branch).
According to "LIV Yuanbao", doctors said even a small amount of hydrofluoric acid, also known as "bone-eating water", can be fatal, and Tu had been exposed to a large quantity.
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Tu was rushed to the hospital but suffered organ failure and did not survive. Screenshot from Weibo. Photo: Weibo |
Tu was rushed to the hospital but suffered organ failure and did not survive. Screenshot from Weibo. Photo: Weibo
Police have sealed off and decontaminated the area, stating that Tu's family will receive support. Authorities said the acid was left by a sanitation worker, surnamed Ai, whose job was to clean walls. Ai left the area in 2015 but has been detained. A lawyer said Ai could face up to 7 years in prison for negligent disposal of hazardous materials.
The incident has become a trending topic on Chinese social media, attracting over 20 million views. One user commented, "This is a serious public safety accident. Tu was unlucky; I feel sorry for her." Another wrote, "Why was such a dangerous chemical left on the road? The police need to thoroughly investigate and give an explanation to the victim."
Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, corrosive liquid with a pungent odor. Highly corrosive, it can erode metal, glass, and silicon-containing materials. Extreme caution is needed when handling hydrofluoric acid, as exposure to its fumes or liquid can cause severe burns and deep tissue damage, proving fatal in severe cases.
In China, industrial hydrofluoric acid with concentrations above 30% is strictly regulated. However, lower concentrations are sold online for 10 to 40 CNY (1.40-5.60 USD). One sales page describes it as a glass and tile cleaner, advising buyers to wear gloves and masks. In January, a man in southeastern China wearing two pairs of gloves while cleaning pottery with the chemical still had three fingers corroded.
Binh Minh (Today, ECNS)
